So I’m looking to buy a new tri bike. I have a budget around $1000. I’m 18, been racing for two years now and I feel it’s time to invest in the most useful piece of equipment in triathlon. Raced Providence 70.3 last summer and a lot of small local tri-s over the years placing overall or AG wins. I’m 6ft, live on Long Island, NY.
Any suggestions? please, thank you.
Look at craigslist or the local bike shops for a good used bike or left-over 2007 or 2008. Consider ebay if you know the size bike you need.
What is wrong with what you are riding right now? For $1000, you aren’t likely to get much of an upgrade (if any) if you are buying new.
x2. Better to save the $$ for down the line when you can make an actual upgrade. If you’re already winning your AG, what’s the pressing need for the new ride?
Forget craigslist. Go post in the ST Classifieds. You’ll probably get some interesting offers.
Go used. A used bike that was $2500 - $3000 2-3 years ago and well maintained is going to be a much better deal than a new $1000 bike. But you better know what you are looking for in terms of fit. I will not even get into that here, I am sure plenty of other folks will be happy to get into that topic with you, ad naseum.
If possible, check out a local bike show, they might turn out some good deals. I picked up a Cervelo p2sl for $1000 dollars at a local show.
Do you have an existing bike that you can salvage parts from? (I recommend keeping 1 working road bike for training)
If you can steal parts from an existing bike then you can buy a frame, bars, bar-end shifters, brake levers and put together a tri bike that way.